US20110029170A1 - System for selective vehicle operation modes - Google Patents

Abstract

Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a preferred consequential result related to a selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/462,207 entitled SELECTIVE CONTROL OF AN OPTIONAL VEHICLE MODE, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent. Jr. Clarence T. Tegreene. Charles Whitmer. Lowell L. Wood. Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood as inventors, filed 29 Jul. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/587,017 entitled SELECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN OPTIONAL VEHICLE MODE, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood as inventors, filed 29 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/587,129 entitled VEHICLE SYSTEM FOR VARIED COMPLIANCE BENEFITS, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood as inventors, filed 30 Sep. 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) has provided above a specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as “continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence Applicant is designating the present application as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter of its parent application(s).
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective tiling date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g. claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s)). All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.
BACKGROUND
• The present application relates to vehicle monitoring and control devices and related methods, systems, components, computerized apparatus, software program products, and communication techniques.
SUMMARY
• In one aspect, an exemplary method for selective control of a vehicle operational mode includes but is not limited to storing information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode applicable to a particular route or area; storing information regarding a first benefit that accrues based on the compliance state that is in conformity with the given administrative standard; and implementing an optional vehicle operational mode in a manner to attain an identified preferred consequential result that is different from the first benefit, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status of the given administrative standard.
• In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the herein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the herein-referenced method aspects depending upon the design choices of the system designer.
• In a further aspect, an exemplary system for selective control of a vehicle operational mode may include data table means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area, the compliance state corresponding to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard; and a mobile communication unit or vehicle communication unit for communicating information identifying a preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage correlated with at least one optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the preferred consequential result is available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle. A related system aspect may include a vehicle controller module for implementing a user-selection of the at least one optional operational mode during travel via the particular route or area in a manner to attain the preferred consequential result, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status regarding the given administrative standard.
• In a further aspect, an exemplary system for selective control of a vehicle operational mode may include means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area, the compliance state corresponding to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard; means for communicating information identifying a preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage correlated with at least one optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the preferred consequential result is available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle; and means for implementing a user-selection of the at least one optional operational mode during travel via the particular route or area in a manner to attain the preferred consequential result, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status regarding the given administrative standard.
• In another aspect, an exemplary system includes but is not limited to computerized components for selective control of an optional vehicle mode, which system has the capability to implement the various process features disclosed herein. Various exemplary system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
• In a further aspect, a computer program product may include computer-readable media having encoded instructions for executing an exemplary method for selective implementation an operational mode in a vehicle, including storing information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode applicable to a particular route or area; storing information regarding a first benefit that accrues based on the compliance state that is in conformity with the given administrative standard; and implementing an optional vehicle operational mode in a manner to attain an identified preferred consequential result that is different from the first benefit, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status of the given administrative standard.
• In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or system and/or program product aspects are set forth and described in the teachings such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present disclosure.
• The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment for a selective vehicle control system.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram depicting exemplary vehicle operating parameters.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating exemplary data processing aspects related to optional vehicle operational modes.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of exemplary communication techniques involving optional vehicle operational modes.
• FIG. 5 is a tabular representation showing varied examples of vehicle compliance states.
• FIG. 6 is another tabular representation showing additional exemplary vehicle compliance states.
• FIGS. 7-8 are further tabular representations showing exemplary vehicle modes associated with varied destinations.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of exemplary confirmation techniques for various types of consequential results.
• FIG. 10 is a high level flow chart for an exemplary selective vehicle control process.
• FIGS. 11-24 are more detailed flow charts illustrating further exemplary process features that may be incorporated in vehicle control embodiments.
• FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic flow chart for an exemplary computer program product embodiment for selective control of one or more vehicle operational modes.
• FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary vehicle system for varied compliance benefits.
• FIG. 27 is a depiction of an exemplary display of a data table for comparative vehicle modes.
• FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for managing and processing vehicle operation mode data.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.
• Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction left between hardware, software, and/or firmware implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware, software, and/or firmware is generally (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware.
• In some implementations described herein, logic and similar implementations may include software or other control structures. Electronic circuitry, for example, may have one or more paths of electrical current constructed and arranged to implement various functions as described herein. In some implementations, one or more media may be configured to bear a device-detectable implementation when such media hold or transmit device detectable instructions operable to perform as described herein. In some variants, for example, implementations may include an update or modification of existing software or firmware, or of gate arrays or programmable hardware, such as by performing a reception of or a transmission of one or more instructions in relation to one or more operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, an implementation may include special-purpose hardware, software, firmware components, and/or general-purpose components executing or otherwise invoking special-purpose components. Specifications or other implementations may be transmitted by one or more instances of tangible transmission media as described herein, optionally by packet transmission or otherwise by passing through distributed media at various times.
• Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include executing a special-purpose instruction sequence or invoking circuitry for enabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting, or otherwise causing one or more occurrences of virtually any functional operations described herein. In some variants, operational or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as an executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, implementations may be provided, in whole or in part, by source code, such as C++, or other code sequences.
• In other implementations, source or other code implementation, using commercially available and/or techniques in the art, may be compiled/implemented/translated/converted into a high-level descriptor language (e.g., initially implementing described technologies in C or C++ programming language and thereafter converting the programming language implementation into a logic-synthesizable language implementation, a hardware description language implementation, a hardware design simulation implementation, and/or other such similar mode(s) of expression). For example, some or all of a logical expression (e.g., computer programming language implementation) may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware description (e.g., via Hardware Description Language (HDL) and/or Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Descriptor Language (VHDL)) or other circuitry model which may then be used to create a physical implementation having hardware (e.g., an Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Those skilled in the art will recognize how to obtain, configure, and optimize suitable transmission or computational elements, material supplies, actuators, or other structures in light of these teachings.
• Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the art to implement devices and/or processes and/or systems, and thereafter use engineering and/or other practices to integrate such implemented devices and/or processes and/or systems into more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or systems. That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes and/or systems described herein can be integrated into other devices and/or processes and/or systems via a reasonable amount of experimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that examples of such other devices and/or processes and/or systems might include—as appropriate to context and application—all or part of devices and/or processes and/or systems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., an airplane, rocket, helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance (e.g., a car, truck, locomotive, tank, armored personnel carrier, etc.), (c) a building (e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), (d) an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) a communications system (e.g., a networked system, a telephone system, a Voice over IP system, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an Internet Service Provider (ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Qwest, Southwestern Bell, etc.), or (g) a wired/wireless services entity (e.g., Sprint, Cingular, Nextel, etc.), etc.
• In certain cases, use of a system or method may occur in a territory even if components are located outside the territory. For example, in a distributed computing context, use of a distributed computing system may occur in a territory even though parts of the system may be located outside of the territory (e.g., relay, server, processor, signal-bearing medium, transmitting computer, receiving computer, etc. located outside the territory).
• A sale of a system or method may likewise occur in a territory even if components of the system or method are located and/or used outside the territory. Further, implementation of at least part of a system for performing a method in one territory does not preclude use of the system in another territory.
• As used herein, the term “vehicle” encompasses devices for conveying persons or objects, including without limitation automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, buses, trains, and other land conveyances, boats, ferries, ships, and other watergoing vessels, and aircraft.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating anexemplary embodiment50 for a selective vehicle controlsystem regarding vehicle55. Avehicle communication unit52 having user-selection interface54 may in some instances be remotely accessed by amobile communication unit56 having user-selection interface58. Thevehicle communication unit54 may also be operably connected viatransponder60 and viafield transceiver62 with acentral data center65 to facilitate determination of a conformity status of thevehicle50 with respect to an applicable vehicle administrative standard. Thecentral data center65 may be linked to an administrativestandards compliance unit70 that is configured to includeprocessor72,controller74, andapplication program76 in order to make such a conformity status determination forvehicle55 as well as for other vehicles. A periodically updated record ofaccounts78 regarding the conformity status may be maintained by the administrativestandards compliance unit70.
• It will be understood that a record ofaccounts78 may relate to various persons or entities associated withvehicle50. In some embodiments thevehicle communication unit52 may be linked to an on-board card reader/scanner90 that is capable of transferring relevant account data to and/or receiving data from a vehicle identification (ID)card92, vehicleowner ID card94, driver/operator ID card94,passenger ID card98, and/orfleet ID card99. In certain embodiments the card reader/scanner90 may also be able to transfer data to and/or receive data from acredit card91 for non-cash transactions regarding a compliance state relative to the applicable administrative standard as well as for a non-cash transaction regarding a preferred consequential result correlated with one or more optional vehicle operational modes.
• Acorrelation display unit100 may be linked to thevehicle communication unit52 to provide pertinent informational data for various compliance states relative to the administrative standard that is applicable tovehicle55. For example, a compliance exemption category may have a related cost/penalty108, a compliance state #AA may have a relatedfirst benefit102; a different compliance state #BB may have a relatedsecond benefit104; and another different compliance state #CC may have a relatedthird benefit104. Thecorrelation display unit100 may also provide data indicative of varied administrative time periods and/or variedadministrative locales110 associated with the various compliance states.
• Thecorrelation display unit100 may be linked to thevehicle communication unit52 to provide pertinent informational data indicative of various vehicle operational modes and their correlated consequential results. This enables a user-selected implementation of chosen vehicle operational mode which in some instances may modify a vehicle conformity status of a given administrative standard. For example, a selective vehicle mode option #XX may qualify for afirst result112; a different selective vehicle mode option #YY may qualify for asecond result114; and another different selective vehicle mode option #ZZ may qualify for a third result. As further examples, a choice of alternative travel routes forvehicle55 may result in differentrespective consequences120; a choice of alternate destinations forvehicle55 may result in differentrespective consequences122; and a choice of a vehicle paradigm operation may result in a particular type ofconsequence124.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram depicting exemplary vehicle operatingparameters regarding vehicle130. In some embodiments thevehicle130 may include anengine drive system160 that derives power from acombustion motor162 and/or from anelectric motor172. Avehicle communication unit140 may include a data/status display142 for indicating various pertinent data regarding one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters146 as well as pertinent data regarding availableconsequential results148 respectively associated with the configurable vehicle operating parameters146. Thevehicle communication unit140 having user interface141 may be accessed by a vehicle operator144 (e.g., in some instances by another vehicle occupant) to monitor such configurable vehicle operating parameters146.
• For example, vehicle operating parameters involving thecombustion motor162 may include various data aspects related toexhaust emissions168, wherein monitored and/or processed output data obtained byemission sensor169 may be transmitted tocommunication unit140. As another example, vehicle operating parameters involving combustion fuels may include various data aspects related togasoline164 and/orbio-fuel166, wherein monitored and/or processed output data obtained byfuel content analyzer166 as well as obtained byfuel gauge167 may be transmitted tocommunication unit140.
• As additional examples, vehicle operating parameters involving theelectric motor172 may include various data aspects related to apower battery174, wherein monitored and/or processed output data obtained bybattery discharge gauge176 may be transmitted tocommunication unit140. As a further example, monitored and/or processed output data regarding general vehicle operating parameters involving theengine drive system160 may include engine efficiency calibration data (e.g., miles-per-gallon rating)170 transmitted tocommunication unit140. As another example, engine operating parameters involving heat monitoring of various vehicle components may be obtained bytemperature sensor178 for transmission tocommunication unit140.
• More exemplary vehicle operating parameters may be obtained by apassenger monitoring device180 for transmitting seat-belt usage data, passenger ID data, and occupant counting data tocommunication unit140. Further exemplary vehicle operating parameters may involve vehicle data that includes monitoredsafety factors175 such as identification of air bags deployed, safety inspection status, prohibited driver activity (e.g., alcohol usage, cell phone usage, text messaging, unlicensed driver, expired driver license, etc.), expired car registration, tire tread wear, tire pressure, engine fluid data (e.g., brake cylinder, automatic transmission, oil, coolant), wherein such vehicle data is transmitted tocommunication unit140.
• All such output data regarding the vehicle operating parameters that is stored or maintained bycommunication unit140 may be accessible on the data/status display monitor142 for review and/or consideration by the user who selectively implements one or more chosenvehicle operation modes154. Such selective implementation may be actuated by circuits and/or software included in acomputerized controller module150. It will be understood that a user-selection of certain vehicle operating parameters in order to achieve a preferable vehicle paradigm may cause a modification of the conformity status of the vehicle with respect to a given administrative standard.
• Such acomputerized controller module150 may also include implementation components such as anapplication program152,lever158,keyboard156 or other devices (e.g. button, dial, switch, mouse, pedal, etc.), and may be actuated by various user-initiated control actions (e.g., voice command, tactile touching, gesture, hand manipulation, foot manipulation, etc.). In some instances the implementation components may be actuated from a mobile and/or remote device (e.g., seemobile communication unit56 inFIG. 1).
• FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating exemplary data processing aspects related to optional vehicle operation modes forvehicle200. An on-board communication unit205 having a user-selection interface208 may be operably connected with adata record215 regarding various compliance states relative to an administrative standard. Thecommunication unit205 includes a data/status display210 to indicate one or more available compliance states for a travel route or travel area ortemporal period217. The data/status display210 may further indicate one or moreoptional vehicle modes216, and may identify one or more possibleconsequential results226 that are respectively correlated with the optional vehicle modes. Acompliance module220 operatively linked todata record215 and tocommunication unit205 may include processing circuits and/or software capable of determining the conformity status as well as the accrued benefit or penalty based on a selection of one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters associated with an optional vehicleoperational mode230.
• Accordingly a person or entity associated withvehicle200 may obtain an accrued benefit or penalty corresponding to the conformity status of thevehicle218 relative to the administrative standard, which conformity status may be modified due to a user-selected implementation of a chosen vehicle operational mode.
• Also depicted inFIG. 3 is a data record regarding availability and status of one or more optional vehicleoperational modes225, which data record is accessible to thecommunication unit205 for review by a user. It will be understood that implementation of an optional vehicle mode correlated with a preferredconsequential result228 may qualify an approved recipient to attain an award or value or advantage included as part of the preferredconsequential result240. Of course, such implementation of the optional vehicle mode may involve one or more of the following aspects: a preferredvehicle operation paradigm242, variedtravel route consequences244,varied destination consequences246. It will be further understood that such implementation of the optional vehicle mode may also have an effect on the conformity status of thevehicle205 relative to theadministrative standard248.
• Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a data processing system. Those having skill in the art will recognize that a data processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or control systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A data processing system may be implemented utilizing suitable commercially available components, such as those typically found in data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of exemplary communication techniques involving optional vehicle operational modes for avehicle250 traveling along designatedpaths249,350 toward one ormore destinations354,357,358. For example, in some instances a vehicle mode selection that includes traveling toward aprimary destination354 may require a choice betweenalternative routes344,346. A different vehicle mode selection that includes travel along otheralternative routes348,349 would allow a visit tointermediate destination358 along the way toprimary destination354. Yet another vehicle mode selection that includes travel toward asecondary destination357 may require a choice to proceed alongalternative route347. Each travel route as well as each destination may involve varied combinations of trip times and travel velocities and traffic conditions, as well as different compliance states associated with an applicable administrative vehicle standard.
• Vehicle250 may include a driver (e.g., operator)251 and alsopassenger occupants252,253, and may further include acommunication unit255 having a user-selection interface256 available to thedriver251 and/orpassenger occupants252,253. In some implementations thecommunication unit255 may be linked to an on-board GPS260, and also linked toonboard data records258, and in some instances linked to an on-board compliance unit275. The on-board compliance unit275 may include processing circuits and/or software capable of making a determination of a vehicle conformity status with respect to the givenadministrative standard292 and its associated compliance states294 as set forth in externally available data records290 (or perhaps also available in on-board data records258). Of course other data record locations may be provided to facilitate easy accessibility and appropriate data integrity and security.
• In some embodiments a vehicle-mounted transceiver270 may provide a bi-directionalwireless communication link272 with aremote compliance unit280 that may include processing circuits and/or software capable of making a similar determination of the vehicle conformity status. It will be understood thatwireless communication links272amay be maintained between theremote compliance unit280 and the traveling vehicle-mountedtransceiver270aduring a time period prior to and/or during and/or after thevehicle250 is subject to the given administrative standard. Of course thecommunication unit255 as well as individual passenger communication units may have their own respective transceivers depending on the circumstances, and the depicted embodiments features are provided for illustration only and are not intended to be limiting.
• Anaccount record310 may receive an output from the on-board compliance unit275 or from theremote compliance unit280. Such anaccount record310 may include a cumulative listing of accrued benefits and/or penalties based on conformity of one ormore vehicles250 with the compliance states294 of various administrative vehicle standards. It will be understood that a transmission tower300 (or a network satellite) may provide the requiredwireless communication links302,304,306,308 with on-board compliance unit275,remote compliance unit280,account record310, andcommunication unit255 to facilitate accessibility and storage of historical and/or updated and/or real-time informational data related to the operational modes ofvehicle250 during travel.
• When a user identifies and/or receives informational data (e.g., via communication unit255) regarding availability of a preferredconsequential result325 that is different from an administrative compliance benefit, a decision may be made to selectively implement one or more optionalvehicle operation modes330 in a manner to attain an available preferred consequential result. For example, one or more available (e.g., updated) consequential results associated with a specifiedalternate destination360 may be transmitted tocommunication unit255 for display and/or review and/or consideration by the user who selectively implements a chosenvehicle operation mode330. As a further example, one or more available (e.g., updated) consequential results associated withalternative travel routes340 may be transmitted tocommunication unit255 for display and/or review and/or consideration by the user who selectively implements a chosenvehicle operation mode330. As another example, one or more available (e.g., updated) consequential results associated with a preferred vehicle paradigm334, as well as monitored status data for the preferred vehicle paradigms332, may be transmitted tocommunication unit255 for display and/or review and/or consideration by the user who selectively implements a chosenvehicle operation mode330.
• FIG. 5 is a tabular representation that includes a data table380 showing examples of varied vehicle compliance states for applicable private and public locales (e.g., areas and travel routes)385 that are subject to an administrative vehicle standard during predeterminedtemporal periods390. An exemplary temporal period may include a designated weekday commuter time (e.g., 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM), and in some instances may include special daily air quality alerts (e.g., 8 AM to 8 PM).
• An exemplary listing of varied vehicle compliance states395 and their corresponding daily monetary fee430 during a designated time period is depicted inFIG. 5. For example, an administrative policy that encourages electric powered vehicles may be enacted pursuant to an administrative standard have a graduated daily fee scale as follows: battery-powered vehicle432 pays no daily fee; hybrid vehicle operating in “power mode only”434 pays two dollars; hybrid vehicle operating in “over fifty percent electric mode”436 pays six dollars; and hybrid vehicle operating in “over fifty percent combustion mode”438 pays eight dollars.
• As a further example, an administrative policy that encourages non-petroleum and/or non-polluting engines may be enacted pursuant to an administrative standard having varied compliance states395 with a graduated fee scale as follows: vehicle operating in “pure bio-fuel combustion mode”440 pays four dollars; vehicle using “certified bio-fuel blend only”442 pays eight dollars; vehicle using “compressed natural gas fuel”444 pays four dollars; vehicle using “conventional gas/diesel fuel”446 pays fifteen dollars; vehicle using diesel fuel with “low emission mode ON”448 pays ten dollars; and vehicle using gasoline fuel with “catalytic converter ON”449 pays ten dollars.
• As another example, an administrative policy encouraging ride sharing may be enacted pursuant to an administrative standard having varied compliance states395 with a graduated fee scale as follows: vehicle with “driver only—zero passengers”450 pays an extra nine dollar surcharge; vehicle with “at least one passenger”452 pays an extra seven dollar surcharge; vehicle with “at least two passengers” pays an extra three dollar surcharge; and vehicle with “at least three passengers” pays no extra surcharge.
• In contrast, an administrative policy that is based on a “usage tax” for non-compliant vehicles may be enacted pursuant to an administrative standard with a fixed fee scale, such as a “prepaid all-day exemption ticket” costing twenty dollars.
• Various types of exemplary locales may become subject to a vehicle administrative standard. For example, such an administrative standard may be enforced against vehicles traveling on high-speed traffic lanes (e.g., Tri-City freeway's high speed thrulane402,State highway 25—HOV/diamond lanes416), entire roadways (e.g.,Evergreen parkway406, Memorial toll road404), strategic routes traversing natural barriers (e.g.,Roosevelt tunnel408,Pioneer viaduct410,Cascade River bridge412, Washington lake ferry414), nature parks (e.g., Grizzly bearforest state park418, Redwood mountain national park420), restricted residential developments (e.g., Habitatprivate resort422, all roads & streets inSunset Village426, Nottingham retirement community428), and educational and business locations (e.g., Emerald City urban center between Central Ave/River Rd/Aspen Dr/State St424, Ford College campus & research park427).
• FIG. 6 is a tabular representation that includes data tables470 showing examples of variedalternative routes475,515,535 and their respective compliance states490,490a,490bandfee schedules510,510a,510brelative to an administrative vehicle standard. For example, an alternate route viaLincoln Bridge475 requires a separate payment charge for each trip based on its own customized compliance schedule. As another example, an alternative route viaMadison Bridge515 requires an all-day pass payment based on its own customized compliance schedule. As a further example, an alternative route viaLake Toll Road535 requires a payment at each periodic exit toll station based on its own customized compliance schedule.
• It is noted that in some circumstances, a different exemplary alternative route via a conventional highway orfrontage road530 may provide a slower trip for which a vehicle administrative standard is not applicable532 and therefore no payment is required.
• More specifically with respect to theLincoln Bridge475, a possible vehicleoperation mode category480 entitled “share”482 has acompliance state490 of “at least one passenger”492 with adual payment status500. Thedual payment status500 may include a “passenger share basis”502 requiring a ten dollar fee, or else a “combo share with battery or bio-fuel basis”503 requiring a lesser five dollar fee. Another possible vehicleoperation mode category480 entitled “battery”484 has acompliance state490 of “solely electric power”494 with apayment status500 called “battery power basis”504 requiring an eight dollar fee. A further possible vehicleoperation mode category480 entitled “bio-fuel”486 has acompliance state490 of “solely bio-fuel combustion”496 with apayment status500 called “bio-fuel basis”506 requiring an eight dollar fee. Yet another possible vehicleoperation mode category480 entitled “exemption”488 has acompliance state490 of “authorized pre-payment”498 with apayment status500 called “exemption basis”508 requiring a higher twenty dollar fee.
• Mores specifically with respect to theMadison Bridge515, a possible vehicleoperation mode category480aentitled “solo”514 has acompliance state490aof “no passenger”522 requiring a rather high thirty dollar fee. Another possible vehicleoperation mode category480aentitled “pool”516 has acompliance state490aof “one/two passengers”524 requiring a lesser twenty dollar fee. Another possible vehicleoperation mode category480aentitled “group”518 has acompliance state490aof “three or more passengers”526 requiring a lowest ten dollar fee.
• More specifically with respect to theLake Toll Road535, a possible vehicleoperation mode category480bentitled “zero emissions”544 has acompliance state490bof threeseparate classifications552, including a first basis of “electric power vehicle”, a second basis of “solely electric mode (hybrid engine), and a third basis of “certified low combustion emission”, wherein each basis qualifies for waiver of any payment fee. Another possible vehicleoperation mode category480bentitled “high occupancy vehicle (HOV)”546 has acompliance state490bof “at least two passengers”545 that also qualifies for waiver of any payment fee. A further possible vehicleoperation mode category480bentitled “cash/credit exemption”548 has acompliance state490bof “daily/weekly/monthly rate”556 requiring a twenty five dollar daily fee, a one hundred dollar weekly fee, and a three hundred fifty dollar monthly fee.
• Of course, it will be understood that the various references herein to an administrative standard that includes payment status based on fees and/or dollar amounts are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. Other types of compliance requirements that are based on non-monetary valuation or qualification may be incorporated as part of the administrative standard, including items or topics or behavior that are deemed to be appropriate with respect to the desired goals and policies of such administrative standard.
• FIGS. 7-8 are tabular representations that includes data tables570,680 showing examples ofvaried destinations575,620,685,720 that provideconsequential results600,600a,600b,600crespectively based on correlatedvehicle operation modes610,610a,600b,600c. It will be understood that the specific type of destinations shown including café-type destinations575 and retail/wholesale store and mall-type destinations620 and parking destinations685 andovernight accommodations720 are for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended to be limiting.
• Although a chain of affiliated product or service entities at different locations may provide identical consequential results associated with identically correlated vehicle operation modes, the individual destinations illustrated inFIGS. 7-8 are depicted with different characteristics to better illustrate a variety of possible choices that may be available to a particular vehicle and/or its occupants.
• For example as depicted inFIG. 7, a café-type destination entity entitledSizzle582 along the Parkway route529 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “food discount & high-voltage battery recharge”602 based on an implemented “electric power”vehicle mode612; a café-type destination entity entitled Lake-Vu584 along theState Street route594 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “food discount & bio-fuel discount”604 based on an implemented “low emission”vehicle mode614; a café-type destination entity entitled Dan's585 along theTri-Tunnel route595 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “food discount & gas/diesel discount” based on an implemented “multi-passenger”vehicle mode615.
• As further examples, a café-type destination entity entitledMid-Lake Mall586 along the Parkway orToll Road route596 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “food & product purchase discounts & access to low-voltage recharge”606 based on an implemented “multi-passenger or electric power”vehicle mode616; and a café-type destination entity entitledEatery Buffet588 along the Highway withHOV Lane598 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “food discount plus free movie tickets for all vehicle occupants”608 based on “qualified HOV use”vehicle mode618.
• As additional examples depicted inFIG. 7, a retail store destination entity entitled Import Wow624 along theSunset Village route632 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes a “discount for driver & owner”642 based on a “qualified HOV use”vehicle mode654; and a retail store destination entity entitled Price-Plus624 along the Viaduct route624 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “battery replacement & discount recharge & discount gas/diesel”644 based on an implemented “multi-passenger”vehicle mode654.
• As added examples, a wholesale or retail store entity entitled U-Buy Service Center626 at a mall-type destination near an exit from the HOV lane of U.S. Highway route636 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “discounted car accessories/repair & discounted high-voltage or low-voltage recharge or discounted bio-fuel”646 based on an implemented “low emission or electric power or bio-fuel”vehicle mode656; and a mall-type destination entitled Fashion Mall & Triplex Theaters & Terrace Parking628 that can be reached via multiple routes and areas638 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “variable discounts for parking & purchases & movie tickets & fuel & battery recharge & meals & groceries”648 based on implemented “diverse vehicle mode qualifications for each entity”658.
• Referring to more examples as depicted inFIG. 8, a parking destination entitledEarly Bird682 that can be reached via theParkway route692 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “low-voltage recharge & pre-8 am discount”702 based on an implemented “electric power”vehicle mode712; a parking destination entitled Self-Park684 that can be reached via theViaduct route694 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “daily or weekly discount rate” based on an implemented “low emission or bio-fuel”vehicle mode714; and a parking destination entitledMuniPark686 that can be reached via anyHOV Lane696 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “free shuttle to office buildings”706 based on an implemented “multi-passenger”vehicle mode716.
• With reference to more examples, an overnight accommodation destination entitledWhiz Motel722 along theParkway route732 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “room & recharge discounts”742 based on an implemented “electric power”vehicle mode752; an overnight accommodation destination entitled Nu-Inn724 along theViaduct route734 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “free breakfast & discounted bio-fuel”744 based on an implemented “low emissions or bio-fuel”vehicle mode754; and an overnight accommodation destination entitledMarquis Hotel726 that can be reached via any HOV Lane or the Parkway or theToll Road736 may provide to a qualified recipient an award or value or advantage that includes “discounted rooms, free parking with low-voltage or high-voltage recharge”746 based on a “qualification receipt from HOV lane or Parkway or Toll Road”756.
• It will be understood that the types of possible award or value or advantage depicted in the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS. 7 and 8 are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Many other diverse monetary and non-monetary consequential results may be provided in connection with products and services that may be available at a specified destination to a qualified recipient.
• The schematic representation ofFIG. 9 illustrates exemplary embodiment features that provide possible certification techniques for various types of consequential results related tovehicle760 traveling along a designatedpath790 toward one ormore destinations791,792,723.Vehicle760 may include a driver (e.g., operator)761 andpassengers762,763 and may further include acommunication unit765 having a user interface766 available to thedriver761 and/orpassengers762,763. In some implementations thecommunication unit765 also may be linked to an on-board GPS (global positioning system)770, and linked to on-board data records768, and linked viatransceiver78 to one or more remote communication units765a. Exemplary informational data sent to and from thecommunication unit765 may relate to selected vehicle operation modes that are actually implemented invehicle770 during travel via a particular route or area. Other data inputs to and fromcommunication unit765 may relate to a preferred consequential result that includes certification of an actual award or value or advantage correlated with the selected vehicle operation mode.
• For example, a data message fromcommunication unit765 may constitute avehicle mode notification775 sent to certification module780 for determination of attainment of an actual consequential result, based ondata records777 that include a listing of a possible award or value oradvantage778 and a listing of their respective correlatedvehicle operation modes779. The certification module780 may include processing circuits and/or software capable of making such a determination, and also configured to send acertification response785 to a qualified recipient (e.g.,vehicle76,driver761,passengers762,763, etc.) viatransceiver773. A responsible party providing theconsequential result782 may also be linked tocertification module78 to receive updated certification status information.
• As a further example, aseparate certification module780amay be configured to make a determination of attainment of an actual award or value or advantage associated with a correlated vehicle operation mode based onrelated data records777a. Thecertification module780amay include processing circuits and/or software capable of making such a determination regarding a consequential result associated with specifieddestinations791,792,973. A certification of the actual attainment of suchconsequential result794 can be sent to a qualified recipient viacommunication unit765 or via a remote communication unit772.
• As another example, a separate certification module780bmay be configured to make a determination of attainment of an actual award or value or advantage associated with a correlated vehicle operation mode based onrelated data records777b. The certification module780bmay include processing circuits and/or software capable of making such a determination regarding a consequential result associated with a particular route orarea790a,790b,790c. A certification of actual attainment of suchconsequential result795 can be sent to a qualified recipient viacommunication unit765 or via a remote communication unit772.
• As an additional example, aseparate certification module780cmay be configured to make a determination of attainment of an award or value or advantage associated with a correlated vehicle operation mode based onrelated data records777c. Thecertification module780cmay include processing circuits and/or software capable of making such a determination regarding a consequential result that involves monitoring an applicablevehicle operation parameter767. Such monitoring may be accomplished by various sensors including various types of electro-mechanical devices (e.g., seeFIG. 2). A certification of actual attainment of apreferable vehicle paradigm768 can be sent to a qualified recipient viacommunication unit765 or via a remote communication unit772.
• In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments described herein can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by various types of electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range of components that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigid bodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, electro-magnetically actuated devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, as used herein “electro-mechanical system” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or other analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that examples of electro-mechanical systems include but are not limited to a variety of consumer electronics systems, medical devices, as well as other systems such as motorized transport systems, factory automation systems, security systems, and/or communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarily limited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical actuation except as context may dictate otherwise.
• Referring to the high level flow chart ofFIG. 10, anexemplary process embodiment800 provides a method for selective control of a vehicle operation mode (block801) that may include obtaining information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area (block802), wherein the compliance state corresponds to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard (block803); and identifying a preferred consequential result that is different from the first benefit, which preferred consequential result correlates with one or more optional vehicle operational modes (block804). Other possible process components may include making a user-selection to implement the one or more optional vehicle operational modes in a manner to attain the preferred consequential result (block806), wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status of the given administrative standard (block807).
• The process embodiment features810 illustrated in the more detailed flow chart ofFIG. 11 may include previously describedfeatures802,803,804,806,807, wherein making the user-selection to implement the one or more optional vehicle operational modes prevents full conformity with the given administrative standard by the vehicle (block811). A further implementation feature may include, responsive to the implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operation modes, forfeiting all or part of the first benefit due to the modified conformity status regarding the given administrative standard, wherein the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result (block812).
• Other possible process aspects may include, responsive to the implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operation modes, obtaining a second benefit that accrues due to the modified conformity status, which second benefit is based on a qualification with another compliance state applicable to the vehicle, wherein the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result (block813). Other related aspects may include obtaining the second accrued benefit based on a qualification with two or more compliance states applicable to the vehicle (block814), and obtaining the second accrued benefit based on an exemption from the predetermined vehicle operation mode, which exemption requires additional payment or other consideration to qualify for the exemption (block816).
• Referring to the various embodiment features820 illustrated inFIG. 12, a possible process implementation may include previously describedoperations802,803,804,806,807, as well as obtaining information regarding the one or more possible travel routes or areas having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits (block821). In some instances a process embodiment may include obtaining information regarding one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit (block822), wherein in some implementations such obtained information may be indicated on a communication device accessible in the vehicle (block823), or such obtained information may be indicated on a communication device accessible to an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle (block824). A further related aspect may include obtaining information regarding one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit (block822), wherein in some implementations such information is accessible prior to making the user-selected implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operational modes (block826).
• Additional possible process features depicted inFIG. 12 may include obtaining information regarding a compliance state that includes one or more of the following types of qualification requirements: number of passengers, HOV lane account status, toll road account status, public road standard, public area standard, private road standard, private area standard, electric power mode, combustion/electric hybrid mode, combustion fuel content, bio-fuel content, natural gas fuel, engine efficiency, miles/per/gallon calibration, combustion emission, zero-emissions, exhaust content, maximum speed limitation (block827). Another exemplary process feature may include acquiring information regarding two or more possible consequential results which are respectively based on selective implementation of different optional vehicle operation modes (block828).
• The various exemplary process embodiment features830 disclosed in the flow chart ofFIG. 13 may include previously describedcomponents802,803,804,806,807 in combination with obtaining information regarding one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit (block822). Further related component features may include obtaining such information that is accessible prior to choosing a type of vehicle to travel via the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard (block831), or obtaining such information that is accessible prior to proceeding along the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard (block832).
• In some instances another process feature may include acquiring information regarding one or more possible consequential results (block833), wherein such acquired information may be indicated on a communication device accessible in the vehicle (block834) or may be indicated on a communication device accessible to an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle (block836).
• As further illustrated inFIG. 13, some process embodiments may include acquiring information regarding one or more possible consequential results (block833). Related process component may further include acquiring accessible information regarding the consequential result prior to making the user-selected implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operation modes (block837), or acquiring accessible information regarding the consequential result prior to choosing a type of vehicle to travel via the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard (block838), or acquiring accessible information regarding the consequential result prior to proceeding along the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard (block839).
• Referring to the detailed flow chart ofFIG. 14, exemplary process features840 may include previously describedaspects802,803,804,806,807 along with confirming availability of the identified preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage to one or more of the following type of qualified recipients: vehicle, operator, driver, passenger, vehicle owner, vehicle lessor, vehicle lessee, vehicle fleet owner, vehicle fleet manager (block841). Another possible process aspect may include confirming availability of the identified preferred consequential result that is dependent upon arrival of the vehicle at a specified destination (block848).
• In some exemplary process embodiments, an operational feature may include confirming availability of the identified preferred consequential result indicated on a communication device (block842). Related features may include confirming availability on a communication device accessible in the vehicle (block843), or confirming availability on a communication device located remotely from the vehicle (block844), or confirming availability of the identified preferred consequential result on a mobile communication device (block847). In some instances a process embodiment may include confirming availability on a communication device that is accessible to one or more of the following: operator, driver, passenger, vehicle owner, vehicle lessor, vehicle lessee, vehicle fleet owner, vehicle fleet manager (block846).
• The detailed flow chart ofFIG. 15 depicts various exemplary process features850 including previously describedcomponents802,803,804,806,807 in combination with receiving information regarding travel via alternative routes or areas which have different respective compliance states and/or accrued benefits based on an applicable given administrative standard (block851). Other possible process aspects may include forfeiting all or part of the corresponding benefit, responsive to the modified conformity status that occurs from traveling via a chosen alternative route or area (block852), and wherein in some implementations the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result (block853).
• Additional embodiments may include receiving information regarding travel to a specified destination via alternative routes or areas that are respectively subject to an applicable given administrative standard (block854), wherein in some implementations availability of the identified preferred consequential result is dependent upon arrival of the vehicle at the specified destination (block856). Further possible aspects may include receiving information regarding one or more possible consequential results respectively available at one or more of the following types of alternate specified destinations: primary destination, secondary destination, alternate destination, intermediate destination (block857).
• The exemplary process embodiment features860 ofFIG. 16 include previously describedoperations802,803,804,806,807 along with forfeiting all or part of the corresponding benefit, responsive to the modified conformity status that occurs from traveling to the specified destination via a chosen route or area (block861), wherein in some implementations the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result available upon arrival at the specified destination (block862).
• Also depicted inFIG. 16 are previously describedoperations854,856 along with confirming the availability at a specified destination of the identified preferred consequential result that includes one or more of the following: battery recharge station, battery renewal facility, high-voltage recharge station, low-voltage recharge station, battery replacement station, priority battery service, fuel supply station, diesel combustion fuel station, gasoline combustion fuel station, natural gas fuel station, bio-fuel station, priority fuel service (block863). A further process aspect may include confirming the availability of the identified preferred consequential at one or more of the following types of specified destination: parking facility, overnight accommodation, residence, office facility, vehicle repair station, vehicle accessory store, Internet access location, public transit station, private transit site, rented-vehicle return site, vehicle inspection location, jurisdictional border, licensing authority, tax assessment site, monitoring unit, detection lane (block864).
• Referring to the detailed flow chart ofFIG. 17, variously illustrated embodiment features870 include previously describedprocess aspects802,803,804,806,807 in combination with obtaining information regarding one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit based on a temporal period of travel subject to the given administrative standard (block871). Additional related process aspects may include obtaining information regarding one or more possible temporal periods of travel having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits (block872). Other possible implementation features may include making a user-selected implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operational modes which prevents the vehicle from qualifying with the compliance state applicable during the temporal period of travel subject to the administrative standard (block873).
• Additional possible process aspects depicted inFIG. 17 may include forfeiting all or part of the corresponding benefit responsive to the modified conformity status arising from the temporal period of travel for the vehicle, wherein the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result (block874). Some implementations may include obtaining information for the given administrative standard that defines the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during one or more of the following types of temporal periods: seasonal, storm occurrence, weather warning, weather situation, smog alert, time-of-day, night-time, commuter hours, imminent event, ongoing event, traffic congestion, road closure, dangerous road condition, road construction, road repair, travel accident (block876).
• Another exemplary process feature may include obtaining information for the given administrative standard that defines the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during the temporal time period that includes a designated high-traffic time period or a designated air quality time period or a designated natural phenomenon time period (block877).
• The detailed flow chart ofFIG. 18 illustrates furtherpossible process aspects880 including previously describedcomponents802,803,804,806,807 in combination with selecting one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to maintain a preferable vehicle paradigm during all or a portion of travel via the particular route or area that is subject to the given administrative standard (block881). Additional aspects may include obtaining information regarding the one or more possible travel routes or possible travel areas having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits (block882).
• Additional possible aspects related to the preferable vehicle paradigm may include maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm that prevents qualifying for the respective compliance state applicable to a chosen travel route or chosen travel area (block883), and may further include forfeiting all or part of the corresponding benefit due to the modified conformity status that occurs in connection with maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm (block884). In some instances the modified conformity status caused by the preferable vehicle paradigm does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result (block886).
• As further depicted inFIG. 18, an exemplary process may include enabling implementation of a preferable battery charging/discharging paradigm in a manner to attain the consequential result (block887), and may further include enabling implementation of a preferable exhaust paradigm for fuel emissions in a manner to attain the consequential result (block888). Another possible process feature may include enabling implementation of a calibrated temperature paradigm for a vehicle component in a manner to attain the consequential result (block889).
• Referring toFIG. 19, additional exemplary process features900 may include previously describedoperations802,803,804,806,807,881 along with enabling implementation of an electrical power paradigm for a hybrid engine in a manner to attain the consequential result (block902). A further related process feature may include enabling implementation of a combustion power paradigm for a hybrid engine in a manner to attain the consequential result (block903).
• Other possible process aspects depicted inFIG. 19 may include enabling implementation of a limited velocity paradigm based on a maximum speed or minimum speed or speed range in a manner to attain the consequential result (block904). Additional aspects may include enabling implementation of a preferred vehicle velocity paradigm to achieve a proposed targeted arrival time at a chosen destination (block906). A further exemplary aspect may include enabling implementation of a preferred vehicle power paradigm for achieving an appropriate vehicle acceleration or vehicle speed range based on current travel conditions on a particular route or in a particular area or during a temporal period of travel subject to the given administrative standard (block907).
• Some exemplary process embodiments may also enabling implementation of the preferred vehicle power paradigm in an electric/combustion hybrid vehicle (block908).
• The various exemplary process embodiment features910 illustrated inFIG. 20 may include previously describedcomponents802,803,804,806,807,881 as well as enabling implementation of preferable fuel composition paradigm for a combustion engine in a manner to attain the consequential result (block911). An additional possible process feature may include selecting one or more of the following types of configurable vehicle operation parameter to attain one or more preferred consequential results: number of passengers, battery-powered mode, combustion-powered mode, bio-fuel mode, bio-fuel blend mode, natural gas mode, electric power mode, low emission mode, calibrated miles/per/gallon mode, battery-charge mode, battery-discharge mode, low-temperature engine mode, electric/combustion hybrid mode, solely electric power mode, primarily electric power mode, solely fuel combustion mode, primarily fuel combustion mode, safety certification mode, environmental certification mode, emission content, zero emissions, approved catalytic converter, speed-limiter activated, turned-on headlights (block912).
• The detailed flow chart ofFIG. 21 illustrates various embodiment features920 including previously describedcomponents802,803,804,806,807 in combination with various aspects relating to an identified preferred consequential result. For example, in some instances an exemplary process may include receiving confirmation of one or more of the following types of actual vehicle battery benefits included as part of the identified preferred consequential result: priority access to battery recharge station, priority battery servicing, reduced cost for battery recharge, free battery renewal service, customized battery recharge, discounted cost for battery replacement, special warranty on new battery purchase, higher quality battery purchase at standard price (block921).
• Additional exemplary process aspects may include receiving confirmation for one or more of the following types of actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result: reduced vehicle registration fees, reduced fuel price, priority fuel purchase, preferred parking location, reduced parking fee, tax credit, traffic lane usage, bridge usage, reduced toll rate, financial rebate, store discount, product discount, membership offer (block922). In some instances a possible process aspect may include receiving confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which confirmation is received at one or more of the following types of destination: parking lot, road exit, traffic lane entry, traffic lane exit, bridge entry, bridge exit, retail store, service store, event location, event ticket office, transit station (block923).
• The exemplary embodiment features930 illustrated inFIG. 22 include previously describedoperations802,803,804,806,807 as well as receiving confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage, which confirmation is provided by or on behalf of a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result (block931). Additional related aspects may include receiving confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage, which confirmation is encoded on an electronic record associated with the vehicle (block932). In some instances an exemplary process may include receiving confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage, which confirmation is encoded on an electronic record associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle (block933). Other possible aspects may include receiving confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage, which confirmation is posted to an account record or an electronic card associated with the vehicle (block936).
• Further possible aspect illustrated inFIG. 22 may include receiving confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, wherein such confirmation posted to an account record or an electronic card associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle (block937). Some implementations my include receiving confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which confirmation is received upon arrival at a specified destination associated with the identified preferred consequential result (block938).
• Referring toFIG. 23, various possible process features940 are depicted including previously describedcomponents802,803,804,806,807,931. An additional possible process feature may include receiving confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage provided by or on behalf of one or more of the following: vehicle manufacturer, vehicle sales entity, governmental entity, environmental entity, insurance company, insurance sales agent, fuel manufacturer, fuel sales entity, vehicle engine/component manufacturer, vehicle engine/component (block943).
• Some exemplary embodiments may include making one or more of the following type of user-initiated control actions: voice command, tactile touching, gesture, hand manipulation, foot manipulation (block946). Other possible exemplary features may include activating one or more of the following types of device: button, lever, dial, switch, keyboard, mouse, pedal, lever, switch (block947). In some instances a process embodiment may include causing an over-ride or cancellation of a default vehicle operational mode during travel on the particular route or area and/or during travel during a temporal period, which is subject to the given administrative standard (block948).
• The detailed flow chart ofFIG. 24 depicts various exemplary process features950 including previously describedoperations802,803,804,806,807 in combination with communicating a notification of the user-selected implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the notification is provided to a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result (block952). A further possible process features includes receiving certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is responsive to the communicated notification (block954).
• Other possible aspects regarding certification of the identified preferred consequential result that includes an actual award or value or advantage may include receiving the certification via a communication device accessible in the vehicle (block956), receiving the certification that delineates a qualified recipient of the award or value or advantage (block957), and receiving the certification that includes a description of the award or value or advantage (block958).
• Also illustrated inFIG. 24 are additional exemplary process aspects including selecting one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to attain the preferred consequential result, wherein such selected vehicle operating parameter also enables conformity with one or more possible compliance states relative to the given administrative standard (block962). Further possible process aspects may include causing a modified conformity status that provides an accrued second benefit of different value as compared to the accrued first benefit (block964), and causing a modified conformity status that provides an accrued second benefit of lesser value as compared to the accrued first benefit (block966).
• FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic flow chart for an exemplarycomputer program product980 that provides computer readable media having encoded instructions for executing a method (block981) that may include storing information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode applicable to a particular route or area (block982): storing information regarding a first benefit that accrues based on the compliance state that is in conformity with the given administrative standard (block983); and implementing a user-selection of an optional vehicle operational mode in a manner to attain an identified preferred consequential result that is different from the first benefit (block984), wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status of the given administrative standard (block985).
• Referring to the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 26, an exemplary vehicle system for varied compliance benefits may includecommunication module1000 havingprocessor1046,controller1047,memory1048, and one ormore applications1049. Thecommunication module1000 may be incorporated in or as part of a vehicle (e.g., seeunit52 inFIG. 1) or be available away from the vehicle (e.g., seemobile unit56 inFIG. 1). Various types of user interfaces may be incorporated in or operably coupled with thecommunication module1000 including but not limited tokeyboard1052,voice receiver1053,audio speaker1054, mouse1055,touch screen1056,data status display1062 andmessaging display1064 to facilitate interactive communications by various types of users associated with the vehicle such as a driver, operator, owner, passenger, lessor, lessee, or fleet manager. Additional exemplary user interfaces may include input devices such asscanner1057 and/or output devices such asprinter1058 may also be provided, as well asGPS travel map1064 linked with a GPS (e.g., seeGPS82 inFIG. 1) to provide helpful user-guidance regarding one or morealternative routes1066 subject to various administrative standards. Additional data may be accessible regardingalternate destinations1067 associated with possible consequential results correlated with one or more optional vehicle operational modes.
• FIG. 26 further illustrates anexemplary compliance module1040 for a given administrative vehicle standard. Thecompliance module1040 may be located onboard the vehicle (e.g., seecompliance unit275 inFIG. 4) or remotely from the vehicle (e.g., seeremote compliance unit280 inFIG. 4), and configured with circuitry and/or application programs to process user-selected vehicle modes associated with appropriate accrued benefits1042 as well as associated with any cost or penalty or detriment based on a compliance state of the vehicle.
• In some exemplary embodiments, administrativestandard data records1010 may be located remotely from the vehicle (e.g., seeremote data records290,310 inFIG. 4). Such administrativestandard data records1010 may include informational data regarding one or moreapplicable compliance states1012 and their respectivecorresponding benefits1013 regarding a travel route or travel area or temporal travel period subject to the administrative standard. Data inputs that include a vehicle operational mode status1017 and one or more vehicle operating parameters may be provided via communication links with various types of vehicle detection and monitoring devices1020 (e.g., seeFIG. 2).
• In certain exemplary embodiments, consequentialresult data records1030 may be located separately from the vehicle (e.g., seeexternal data records340,360 inFIG. 4), and may include informational data regarding a correlated award or value oradvantage1032 available to a qualified recipient based on notification from the vehicle detection andmonitoring devices1020. The consequentialresult data records1030 may also include additional informational data received via notification from the vehicle detection andmonitoring devices1020 regarding a preferable vehicle operating paradigm. It will be understood that in some instances a user-selected optional vehicle operational mode1017 and/or implementation of certainvehicle operating parameters1016 may cause a deviated compliance status for a vehicle, in order to attain a preferable consequential result that is different from an accrued benefit available pursuant to a given administrative standard.
• Additional types of data input to the consequentialresult data records1030 may include listings of consequential results that are currently available1036 as well as certification of preferredconsequential results1037 for qualified recipients.
• Various types of transmission links (e.g., wireless, wired) may be provided between the consequentialresult data records1030 and thecommunication module1000. Similarly various types of transmission links (e.g., wireless, wired) may be provided between the administrativestandard data records1010 and the compliance module for administrative standard1043, as well as between the administrativestandard data records1010 and thecommunication module1000.
• The embodiment depicted inFIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary display of a processed matrix data table forcomparative vehicle modes1075. The exemplary data entries are provided for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, a central data column indicates a detection of user-selectedvehicle mode1082; a corresponding left column indicates a determination of administrative standard conformity status and compliance states1080; and a corresponding right column indicates a correlated consequential result different from accrued compliance benefit1084.
• In one example, aparticular travel route1081 for a vehicle may include a “multi-passenger compliance state only” wherein an accrued benefit may include “no fee due for vehicle with two or more passengers” based on the following monitored and/or detected vehicle modes: electric engine mode & twopassenger mode1083. Such vehicle modes may entitle a recipient to be “qualified for a destination award or value or advantage based on electric mode”1085.
• In another example, aparticular travel route1086 for a vehicle may include a “non-fee electric compliance state” as well as a “low fee for single passenger state” wherein an accrued benefit may include “payment of low fee for HOV lane” based on the following monitored and/or detected vehicle modes: combustion engine mode &single passenger mode1087. Such vehicle modes may entitle a recipient to be “qualified for reduced battery discharge paradigm” as well as “not qualified for an electric mode destination award or value”1088.
• As a further example, aparticular travel route1091 for a vehicle may include a “payment of administrative standard fee for travel on alternative bridge route to reach specified destination” wherein an accrued benefit may include access to such bridge route without any required vehicle mode. Nevertheless a user-selected “bio-fuel combustion mode”1092 may entitle a recipient to be “qualified for reduced battery discharge paradigm” as well as “qualified for destination award or value or advantage based on bio-fuel mode”1093.
• As an additional example, aparticular travel route1094 for a vehicle may include “no conformity with any applicable compliance state for accrued benefit” wherein an accrued benefit of access to a toll road is based on an exemption that provides “payment of toll road access fee”. Nevertheless a user-selected “electric/combustion dual engine mode”1095 may entitle a recipient to “choose high-speed route to qualify for early priority parking at destination having high-voltage battery recharge”1096.
• As yet another example, a particular travel area1097 for a vehicle may include a “non-fee electric mode compliance state for travel through smog control area” as well as “lower fee for non-pollutant exhaust” wherein there is no accrued benefit other than access to the area based on a “paid maximum rate exemption fee”. Nevertheless a user-selected “combustion engine mode”1098 may entitle a recipient to “choose combustion mode to qualify for reduced battery discharge paradigm”1099 despite having a user-selected “non-catalytic exhaust emission”1098.
• The schematic block diagram ofFIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary system for managing and processing vehicle operation mode data. Such an exemplary system may include acomputerized processing unit1500 withprocessor1502,controller1503,memory1504 and one ormore applications1506. Access to such an exemplary system may be provided through a user interface1543 with a communication module1540.
• Various possible communication links with computerized processing unit1550 may include a link with administrativestandard data records1510, another link with compliance module for administrative standard1515, still another link with one or more vehicle detection andmonitoring devices1520, a further link with consequentialresult data records1530, yet a further link with certification module for one or more consequential results1535, and an additional link with communication module1540.
• Administrativestandard data records1510 may include informational data regarding one ormore compliance states1512 as well as theircorresponding benefits1513. Consequential result data records may include informational data regarding a preferable operating paradigm1533 for a vehicle, as well as a correlated award or value oradvantage1532 that may be available to a qualified recipient. Of course other types of information may be maintained to facilitate the management and processing of vehicle mode data, including additional information regarding the vehicle conformity status pursuant to the administrative standard as well as additional information regarding qualification for a preferred consequential result based on a correlated vehicle mode.
• Depending on the circumstances, thevarious components1510,1515,1520,1530,1535,1540 may be located on a vehicle traveling via a route or area subject to an administrative standard and/or located externally (e.g., remotely) from the vehicle. In some instances such components may be located at a facility associated with providing the preferred consequential result, and/or located at a monitoring facility associated with supervision of the administrative standard. Other locations are possible, and various types of communication links may be provided including but not limited to wireless, cable, satellite, Internet, public networks, private networks, and the like.
• It will be understood from the various embodiment features disclosed herein that certain exemplary data processingfunctions involving components1510,1515,1520,1530,1535,1540 may be carried out at a central location bycomputerized processing unit1500, and other specified exemplary processing functions may be carried out by separate computerized processing modules. For example, compliance module for administrative standard1515 may also include or be operatively coupled withcomputerized processing module1551; administrativestandard data records1510 may also include or be operatively coupled withcomputerized processing module1552; certification module for consequential results1535 may also include or be operatively coupled withcomputerized processing module1553; consequentialresult data records1530 may also include or be operatively coupled withcomputerized processing module1554; vehicle detection andmonitoring devices1520 may also include or be operatively coupled withcomputerized processing module1556; and communication module1540 may also include or be operatively coupled withcomputerized processing module1557.
• In accordance with the disclosures herein, an exemplary vehicle system embodiment for varied operational modes may include a communication unit operably coupled to a first data record listing one or more available compliance states for a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area that is subject to a given administrative standard, wherein the one or more compliance states correspond to respective benefits available to a qualified recipient. Related system features may further include a second data record operably coupled to the communication unit and configured to maintain information regarding a preferred consequential result that correlates with one or more optional vehicle operational modes.
• Another related system feature may include a user interface linked to the communication unit to provide access to information regarding a benefit corresponding to vehicle compliance state as compared to a preferred consequential result based on a selected vehicle operational mode detected by one or more vehicle monitoring devices configured to transmit updated vehicle operational mode data to the communication unit. Additional possible user interface features may include one or more of the following type of elements: keyboard, voice receiver, audio speaker, mouse, touch screen, scanner, printer, data status display, messaging display, GPS travel map.
• A further exemplary system component may include a compliance module having a communication link to the first data record and to the communication unit, wherein the compliance module is configured to process updated vehicle operational mode data to establish a conformity status based on a vehicle compliance state pursuant to the given administrative standard. Another possible system component may include a certification module having a communication link to the first data record and to the communication unit, wherein the compliance module is configured to process updated vehicle operational mode data to establish qualification for a preferred consequential result available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle.
• Some exemplary system embodiments disclosed here may provide a data table for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area, the compliance state corresponding to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard. A related system aspect may include a mobile communication unit or vehicle communication unit for communicating information identifying a preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage correlated with at least one optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the preferred consequential result is available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle.
• In some instances a further system aspect may include a vehicle controller module for implementing a user-selection of the at least one optional operational mode during travel via the particular route or area in a manner to attain the preferred consequential result, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status regarding the given administrative standard. A possible system component may include a mobile or vehicle communication unit configured to be accessible to an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet owner or fleet manager of the vehicle.
• Further possible system components may include a compliance module operatively linked to a data table record that indicates whether the implemented vehicle operation mode prevents the vehicle from qualifying with the compliance state for the given administrative standard. Another exemplary system component may include such a data table record for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result that is different from the corresponding first benefit that accrues pursuant to the given administrative standard.
• Additional system aspects disclosed herein may include an accessible data record for providing accessible information regarding various compliance states relative to the given administrative standard. Such an accessible data record may further indicate one or more possible travel routes or possible travel areas having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits pursuant to the given administrative standard.
• Some exemplary system embodiments may include a vehicle controller module including a user interface activated by various user-initiated control actions and/or activation devices. Such a controller module may be configured to maintain one or more preferable vehicle paradigms in a manner to attain the consequential result. A further possible system component may include a compliance module operably linked to a data table record that indicates whether maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm prevents qualifying for the respective compliance state applicable to a chosen travel route or chosen travel area.
• Additional system aspects may include a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of one or more types of optional operational modes sufficient to attain the identified preferred consequential result. Such a certification module may be operably linked to a data record that indicates certification of an actual award or value or advantage correlated with the implemented optional operational mode, which certification is provided by or on behalf of a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result. In some instances such a certification module may be operably linked to an electronic record that includes confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage to a qualified recipient.
• Some system components may include a communication module accessible in the vehicle or at a remote location relative to the vehicle, wherein the communication module is configured to receive confirmation of various types of possible vehicle battery benefits as well as confirmation of other awards or value or advantages included as part of the identified preferred consequential result available at specified travel destinations.
• A further system component may include a transceiver configured to transmit a notification of the user-selected implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the notification is provided to a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result. In some instances a communication unit may be configured to receive a certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is responsive to the transmitted notification. Such a communication unit may be operably linked to a certification module and configured to receive a certification that describes the actual award or value or advantage correlated with the implemented operational mode and that may also delineate the qualified recipient(s).
• Other exemplary system features may provide a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of the at least one optional operational mode which also enables conformity with one or more possible compliance states relative to the given administrative standard.
• A further exemplary feature may include a compliance module operably linked to a data table record that indicates a modified conformity status that provides an accrued second benefit of different value as compared to the accrued first benefit. Such a data table may further indicate the modified conformity status that provides an accrued second benefit of different or lesser value as compared to the accrued first benefit.
• It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various components and elements disclosed in the system and schematic diagrams herein as well as the various steps and sub-steps disclosed in the flow charts herein may be incorporated together in different claimed combinations in order to enhance possible benefits and advantages.
• The exemplary system, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments disclosed herein includingFIGS. 1-10 andFIGS. 25-28 along with other components, devices, know-how, skill and techniques known in the art have the capability of implementing and practicing the methods and processes that are depicted inFIGS. 11-24. However it is to be further understood by those skilled in the art that other systems, apparatus and technology may be used to implement and practice such methods and processes.
• It will also be understood from the technical disclosure herein that exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a preferred consequential result related to a selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode.
• The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).
• The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logically interactable components.
• In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configured by,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms (e.g. “configured to”) can generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.
• While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
• With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.
• While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (50)

1. A system for selective control of a vehicle operational mode, comprising:

means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area, the compliance state corresponding to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard;

means for communicating information identifying a preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage correlated with at least one optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the preferred consequential result is available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle; and

means for implementing a user-selection of the at least one optional operational mode during travel via the particular route or area in a manner to attain the preferred consequential result, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status regarding the given administrative standard.

2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for implementing the user-selection of the at least one optional operation mode includes:

controller means configured to implement the at least one optional vehicle operational mode that prevents full conformity with the given administrative standard by the vehicle.

3. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a mobile or vehicle communication unit configured to be accessible to one or more of the following: an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet owner or fleet manager of the vehicle.

4. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result includes:

a communication unit configured to provide preferred consequential information which is accessible prior to the user-selection of the at least one optional vehicle operational modes.

5. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result includes:

a communication unit configured to provide preferred consequential result information which is accessible prior to choosing a type of vehicle to travel via the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard.

6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result includes:

a communication unit configured to provide preferred consequential information which is accessible prior to proceeding along the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard.

7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

an accessible data record indicating compliance states that include one or more of the following types of qualification requirements: number of passengers, HOV lane account status, toll road account status, public road standard, public area standard, private road standard, private area standard, electric power mode, combustion/electric hybrid mode, combustion fuel content, bio-fuel content, natural gas fuel, engine efficiency, miles/per/gallon calibration, combustion emission, zero-emissions, exhaust content, maximum speed limitation, safety factor, safety mode, safety certification, environmental mode, environmental certification.

8. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a communication device configured to confirm availability of the identified preferred consequential result to one or more of the following type of qualified recipients: an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet owner or fleet manager of the vehicle.

9. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a communication device configured to confirm availability of the identified preferred consequential result that is dependent upon arrival of the vehicle at a specified destination.

10. The system ofclaim 9 wherein said communication device includes:

a communication device configured to confirm the availability at the specified destination of the identified preferred consequential result that includes one or more of the following: battery recharge station, battery renewal facility, high-voltage recharge station, low-voltage recharge station, battery replacement station, priority battery service, fuel supply station, diesel combustion fuel station, gasoline combustion fuel station, natural gas fuel station, bio-fuel station, priority fuel service.

11. The system ofclaim 9 wherein said communication device includes:

a communication device configured to confirm the availability of the identified preferred consequential result at one or more of the following types of specified destination: parking facility, overnight accommodation, residence, office facility, vehicle repair station, vehicle accessory store. Internet access location, public transit station, private transit site, rented-vehicle return site, vehicle inspection location, jurisdictional border, licensing authority, tax assessment site, monitoring unit, detection lane.

12. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

a communication unit configured to provide accessible information regarding one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit based on a temporal period of travel subject to the given administrative standard.

13. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

a communication unit configured to provide accessible information regarding one or more possible temporal periods of travel having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits.

14. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a compliance module operatively linked to a data table record that indicates whether the implemented vehicle operation mode prevents the vehicle from qualifying with the compliance state for the given administrative standard.

15. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a compliance module operatively linked to a data table record that indicates whether the implemented vehicle operation mode causes forfeiture of all or part of the corresponding first benefit that accrues pursuant to the given administrative standard.

16. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result includes:

data table means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result that is different from the corresponding first benefit that accrues pursuant to the given administrative standard.

17. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

an accessible data record indicating one or more possible travel routes or possible travel areas having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits pursuant to the given administrative standard.

18. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

a communication unit configured to provide accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard defining the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during one or more of the following types of temporal periods: seasonal, storm occurrence, weather warning, weather situation, smog alert, time-of-day, night-time, commuter hours, imminent event, ongoing event, traffic congestion, road closure, dangerous road condition, road construction, road repair, travel accident.

19. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

a communication unit configured to provide accessible information regarding the compliance state applicable during the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during a temporal time period that includes a designated high-traffic time period or a designated air quality time period or a designated natural phenomenon time period.

20. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional vehicle operation modes includes:

controller means configured to implement the at least one optional operational mode to maintain a preferable vehicle paradigm during all or a portion of travel via the particular route or area and/or during a temporal travel period that is subject to the given administrative standard.

21. The system ofclaim 20 further comprising:

a compliance module operably linked to a data table record that indicates whether maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm prevents qualifying for the respective compliance state applicable to a chosen travel route or chosen travel area.

22. The system ofclaim 20 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional operational mode includes:

controller means configured to maintain the preferable vehicle paradigm, wherein the modified conformity status caused by the preferable vehicle paradigm does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result.

23. The system ofclaim 20 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional operation mode includes:

controller means configured to maintain in an electric/combustion hybrid vehicle a preferable battery charging/discharging paradigm in a manner to attain the consequential result.

24. The system ofclaim 20 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional operation mode includes:

controller means configured to maintain one or more of the following type of preferable vehicle paradigms in a manner to attain the consequential result: exhaust paradigm for fuel emissions, fuel composition paradigm for a combustion engine, electrical power paradigm for a hybrid engine, combustion power paradigm for a hybrid engine, calibrated temperature paradigm for a vehicle component, limited velocity paradigm based on a maximum speed or minimum speed or speed range, vehicle velocity paradigm to achieve a proposed targeted arrival time at a chosen destination.

25. The system ofclaim 20 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional operation mode includes:

controller means configured to maintain a preferable vehicle power paradigm for achieving an appropriate vehicle acceleration or vehicle speed range based on current travel conditions on a particular route or in a particular area or during a temporal period of travel subject to the given administrative standard.

26. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of one or more of the following types of optional operational modes sufficient to attain the identified preferred consequential result: number of passengers, battery-powered mode, combustion-powered mode, bio-fuel mode, bio-fuel blend mode, natural gas mode, electric power mode, low emission mode, calibrated miles/per/gallon mode, battery-charge mode, battery-discharge mode, low-temperature engine mode, electric/combustion hybrid mode, solely electric power mode, primarily electric power mode, solely fuel combustion mode, primarily fuel combustion mode, safety certification mode, environmental certification mode, emission content, zero emissions, approved catalytic converter, speed-limiter activated, turned-on headlights, safety factor.

27. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a communication module configured to receive confirmation of one or more of the following types of available vehicle battery benefits included as part of the identified preferred consequential result: priority access to battery recharge station, priority battery servicing, reduced cost for battery recharge, free battery renewal service, customized battery recharge, discounted cost for battery replacement, special warranty on new battery purchase, higher quality battery purchase at standard price.

28. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a communication module configured to receive confirmation for one or more of the following types of available award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result: reduced vehicle registration fees, reduced fuel price, priority fuel purchase, preferred parking location, reduced parking fee, tax credit, traffic lane usage, bridge usage, reduced toll rate, financial rebate, store discount, product discount, membership offer.

29. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a communication module configured to receive confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which confirmation is received at one or more of the following types of destination: parking lot, road exit, traffic lane entry, traffic lane exit, bridge entry, bridge exit, retail store, service store, event location, event ticket office, transit station.

30. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a certification module operably linked to a data record that indicates certification of an actual award or value or advantage correlated with the implemented optional operational mode, which certification is provided by or on behalf of a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

31. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of the at least one optional operational mode correlated with the award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result.

32. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

an electronic record operably linked to a certification module, wherein the electronic record includes confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage for the qualified recipient.

33. The system ofclaim 32 wherein the electronic record includes:

an electronic data record associated with the vehicle.

34. The system ofclaim 32 wherein the electronic record includes:

an electronic data record associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet owner or fleet manager of the vehicle.

35. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage provided by or on behalf of one or more of the following: vehicle manufacturer, vehicle sales entity, governmental entity, environmental entity, insurance company, insurance sales agent, fuel manufacturer, fuel sales entity, vehicle engine/component manufacturer, vehicle engine/component sales entity, “green” product company, “green” services company, “green” rebate entity.

36. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a certification module configured to provide certification of the actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is provided to the qualified recipient upon arrival at a specified destination associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

37. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for implementing the user-selection of the at least one optional operation mode includes:

a controller module including a user interface activated by one or more of the following type of user-initiated control actions: voice command, tactile touching, gesture, hand manipulation, foot manipulation.

38. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for implementing the user-selection the at least one optional vehicle operation modes includes:

a controller module configured to be activated by one or more of the following types of device: button, lever, dial, switch, keyboard, mouse, pedal, lever, switch.

39. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said means for implementing the user-selection of the at least optional vehicle operation mode includes:

a controller module configured to cause an over-ride or cancellation of a default vehicle operational mode during travel on the particular route or area and/or during travel during a temporal period, which is subject to the given administrative standard.

40. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising;

a transceiver configured to transmit a notification of the user-selected implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the notification is provided to a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

41. The system ofclaim 40 further comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive a certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is responsive to the transmitted notification.

42. The system ofclaim 40 wherein said communication unit includes a communication device accessible in the vehicle.

43. The system ofclaim 40 wherein said communication unit includes a communication device accessible at a remote location relative to the vehicle.

44. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a communication unit operably linked to a certification module and configured to receive a certification that delineates the qualified recipient of the actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result.

45. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a communication unit operably linked to a certification module and configured to receive a certification that delineates the vehicle and/or a person or entity associated with the vehicle as the qualified recipient of the actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result.

46. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive a certification that includes a description of the identified preferred consequential result that includes an actual award or value or advantage that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

47. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of the at least one optional operational mode which also enables conformity with one or more possible compliance states relative to the given administrative standard.

48. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a compliance module operably linked to a data table record that indicates the modified conformity status provides an accrued second benefit of different value as compared to the accrued first benefit.

49. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a compliance module operably linked to a data table record that indicates the modified conformity status provides an accrued second benefit of lesser value as compared to the accrued first benefit.

50. A system for selective control of a vehicle operational mode, comprising:

data table means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area, the compliance state corresponding to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard;

a mobile communication unit or vehicle communication unit for communicating information identifying a preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage correlated with at least one optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the preferred consequential result is available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle; and

a vehicle controller module for implementing a user-selection of the at least one optional operational mode during travel via the particular route or area in a manner to attain the preferred consequential result, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status regarding the given administrative standard.

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